Woman Gored in Yellowstone After Crowd Gets Too Close To Bison

A 59-year-old California woman was gored by a bison Wednesday morning in Yellowstone National Park, according to a statement from park officials.

Kim Hancock and a crowd of people were walking along a boardwalk at Fountain Paint Pot in the Lower Geyser Area when they came within 10 yards of the bull bison. At one point, people were within 15 feet of the animal.

When it crossed the boardwalk, the bison became agitated and charged the crowd, goring Hancock. The animal then immediately left the area.

Park rangers responded and treated Hancock for a hip injury before she was taken by an ambulance to the Big Sky Medical center in Big Sky, Montana, in good condition.

The incident remains under investigation. It's the second time this year that a visitor has been injured by a bison. One such incident occurred last year, and five incidents occurred in 2015.

Four people have been injured by wildlife in Wyoming in a little over a month, with three of those incidents taking place since Sunday.

Park officials emphasize that animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they may seem. Visitors should give animals space when they're near trails, boardwalks, parking lots or developed areas.

Visitors should always stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from all other animals. Visitors who cannot maintain those distances are advised to turn around and find an alternate route.